Portugal suffered an underwhelming draw ahead of their crucial game against Serbia.
Portugal were held to a goalless draw in their World Cup qualifier against Ireland on Thursday. However, the draw is enough for them to climb up to the top spot in Group A of the qualifiers.
No goals for Ronaldo!
The hosts surprised Portugal with their confidence right from the beginning. Ireland had the chance to get the opener but they were denied by Rui Patricio’s heroics.
In the second half, Portugal managed to find their rhythm. Cristiano Ronaldo got close to extending his incredible Portugal goal tally but couldn’t get past Ireland’s solid defence.
Portugal’s hopes of winning the game suddenly melted away when Pepe got his second yellow card in the 80th minute.
Portugal move to the top spot on the group’s table with a better goal difference compared to Serbia. They will face the Serbs in a crucial game on Sunday, which will decide who wins the group.
Player Ratings
Ireland: Bazunu (8); Coleman (6), Duffy (7), Egan (7); Doherty (8), Hendrick (6), Cullen (6), Stevens (7); McGrath (7), Robinson (7), Ogbene (6).
Bench: Keane (6), Mc Clean (7), Idah (6), Hourihane (6).
Portugal: Patricio (7); Semedo (7), Pepe (4), Pereira (6), Dalot (7); Nunes (5), Palhinha (6), Fernandes (5); Guedes (6), Silva (6), Ronaldo (7).
Bench: Felix (6), Leao (6), Sanches (7), Fonte (5), Moutinho (6).
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